Croaker (Mushka Fish)

Croaker Fish (Mushka) — Soft, Mild & Perfect for Fry, Curry & Everyday Desi Cooking | Fresh Delivery in Karachi

Croaker Fish — locally known as Mushka Fish — is one of the most commonly loved and cooked fish in Karachi households. Known for its soft, juicy white meat and mild taste, Mushka is an excellent everyday option for families who want non-fishy, easy-to-cook seafood.

Mushka Fish cooks quickly and absorbs spices evenly, which makes it ideal for crispy fry, traditional curry, tawa masala, light steaming, and pan-seared dishes. Its texture is soft but not mushy, giving you a balanced bite that works beautifully with both light and spicy masala.

At Anbar Fish Karachi, Mushka Fish is freshly sourced, hygienically cleaned, and delivered chilled across Karachi, so you get bazaar-fresh quality without leaving your home.

Similar Fish You May Like

If you enjoy Mushka Fish, also try: Irani Mushka (Imported Croaker), Lady Fish (Bhambore), River Sole (Saul Fish)

Flavor Profile

This is a very good eating fish. The flesh is off-white with a good medium flavor. One must use simple species that won’t mask the flavor and just lightly dust with rice flour for frying.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Croaker, Drum, Tiger-tooth Croaker
• Local Name: Mushka, Pandasi
• Scientific Name: Otolithes Cuvieri

Habitat

Croaker (Mushka Fish) is a Sea fish that mainly lives at inshore and coastal waters.

Catching Method

Croaker is caught using Gillnets, Hook lines, and Bottom Trawls.

Physical Attributes

Croaker (Mushka Fish) has Scales on the body. The body is fairly slender, depth slightly less than head length, mouth large and strongly oblique with lower jaw projecting; no upper pores on the snout, 1–2 pairs of moderate canine teeth in the upper jaw or both jaws, 13–15 gill rakers on lower limb of the first-gill arch, swim bladder carrot-shaped, with branching appendages along its entire lateral sides, caudal fin rhomboid.

Color

Scale centers are brown on the upper two-thirds of the body, forming narrow oblique bands of spinous dorsal fin edged in grey-black, anal, and paired fins are yellowish.

Size

On average, Croaker size is 200 gram to 1 kg per fish. However, Other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Croaker is preferred for Whole and Gutted and Headless and Gutted, Slices, Boneless Fillets, Boneless Biscuits, and Boneless Fingers.

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100 %
• Gutted: 80 %
• Headless and Gutted: 70 %
• Slices: 68 %
• Boneless: 42 %

Why Mushka Fish Is a Daily Favorite in Karachi

Soft & Juicy White Meat – Easy to eat for all ages
Mild, Clean Flavor – No strong smell
Perfect for Fry & Curry – Absorbs masala well
Quick Cooking Fish – Ideal for daily meals
Good Meat Yield – Value for money
Fresh Daily Supply in Karachi
Cleaned & Ready to Cook

Health Benefits of Croaker (Mushka Fish)

High in Protein – Supports daily energy & strength
Low in Fat – Suitable for balanced diets
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Good for heart & brain health
Rich in Vitamin B12 – Helps improve metabolism
Easy to Digest – Suitable for kids & seniors

Best Ways to Cook Mushka Fish

Mushka Fish Fry – Crispy outside, juicy inside
Mushka Curry – Classic Karachi-style comfort food
Tawa Masala Mushka – Spicy and aromatic
Steamed Mushka Fish – Light & healthy
Pan-Seared Mushka – Simple and flavorful

Chef’s Tip: Marinate Mushka with lemon juice, salt, red chili, turmeric, and garlic paste for 10–15 minutes for the best taste

Croaker (Mushka Fish) — FAQ